Fungal Toenails Specialist

What are fungal toenails?

Fungal infections under the skin of the nails can cause an alteration to the nail itself, which is how fungal toenails form. These alterations involve a separation, thickening, and discoloration of the nails. The condition starts slow in a small area of the nail but soon progresses to involve the full nail. There is the possibility of the infections spreading to other toenails as well.   

What causes fungal toenails?

Toenail fungus develops when the toenails have been in moist or wet environments and did not receive proper care afterwards. For instance, areas such as communal showers can often be a breeding ground for fungus. Because of this, athletes can be more prone to developing fungal toenails. The fungus gains entry at the far end of the nail, where it separates from the skin, and develops there. There are three types of fungal nail infections:

• Distal subungual onychomycosis - An infection which progresses from the nail’s end to the base. This traditionally develops in the toenails.
• Proximal subungual onychomycosis - When the infection progresses from the base of the nail or toe and moves downward toward the nail end.
• Yeast onychomycosis - An infection connected with the yeast candida. This is usually found on the fingernails causing the nails to turn yellow or brown and thicken. Occasionally this yeast can be found in the mouth as well.

How are fungal toenails treated?

Treatment begins with eliminating the fungus under the toenail using antifungal medications. The doctor may suggest a combination of prescription drugs and other approaches. These treatments can involve:

• Oral antifungal drugs - These drugs are typically taken to help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected part. This may take anywhere from six to twelve weeks.
• Medicated nail polish - Antifungal nail polish is painted on the infected nail daily for about seven days.  
• Medicated nail cream - Antifungal cream is rubbed into the infected nails to get to the underlying fungus.